Governor Parnell Orders Flags Lowered for Fallen Marine

July 21, 2010, Anchorage, Alaska - Governor Sean Parnell today ordered state flags to be lowered to half-staff on Thursday in honor and memory of U.S. Marine Gunnery Sergeant Christopher Eastman.

"Sergeant Christopher Eastman gave his life to defend our nation's freedom," Governor Parnell said. "He will be remembered for his dedication and honorable service to our country. Sandy and I extend our condolences to his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time."

Eastman, 28, of Moose Pass, died Sunday from injuries sustained while working on a bombsite in Now Zad, Afghanistan. Eastman, an explosives disposal expert, was assigned to the 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton in California.

State flags will be lowered to half-staff on Thursday, July 22. Flags will be raised to full-staff the following morning.